In a strip mall located on Biscayne Boulevard, next to T.G.I Friday’s and Publix, you can find the best sushi and Thai food this side of North Miami.
Although deceiving to the eye, the seemingly hole-in-the-wall restaurant is actually quite spacious, with decorated high ceilings and beautiful Thai-inspired décor. It’s bursting with the usual lively crowd on a busy Thursday afternoon.
Their lunch menu offers a variety of largely portioned authentic Northern Thai dishes, and will even satisfy those with Japanese food cravings. Their lunch menu includes several different bento box specials, all under $15 per person.
If this place seems like the real deal it’s because it is.
It’s a fine dining culinary experience with an actually affordable lunch menu.
Piyarat Potha Arreeratn, better known as “Chef Bee”, is a Thailand native and the owner of Oishi Thai. Chef Bee originally worked at the James Beard-finalist Khong River House in Miami Beach until they parted ways in 2013.
Since the departure, Chef Bee focused his talents at his original restaurant, Oishi Thai, which he founded in 2005. The lunch menu offers a variety of delicious Thai dishes that include: fried rice, stir-fried clear noodles with onions, scallions and tomatoes, and even different types of curry, including their red curry prepared with coconut milk, bell peppers and basil.
Their Pad Thai is a mountain of flavorful goodness– thin rice noodles sautéed with scallions, bean sprouts and scrambled eggs, all tossed in a light peanut sauce and topped off with crushed peanuts.
Usually many Thai restaurants will slap a small selection of sushi rolls to their menu like an afterthought, making their efforts come off as disjointed and disappointing to the public. This place is that rare gem that gets it right.
Chef Bee is equally dedicated to integrating Japanese cuisine into his menu and the hard work has paid off.
I had the lunch combination J7 which came with 3 pieces of nigiri, half of a California roll and some sashimi. It also came with chicken teriyaki in a sweet glaze that was quite good. My meal was supposed to include a soup or salad but it never came, even though I asked about it after…
Alas, I did get a free spring roll which was crunchy and very fresh…
The sushi is honestly my favorite and one of the reasons that keeps me going back. It’s the freshest sushi you can have this side of North Miami– buttery and fresh, good quality cuts of fish that melts in your mouth.
For those who are feeling more adventurous, Oishi Thai also offers more creative and contemporary Japanese dishes like salmon belly nigiri with caviar and gold flecks in a white miso sauce and spicy salmon tacos with truffle. Those are just some of the few items I plan on ordering on my next visit.
Since its grand opening, Oishi Thai has won several awards, including Miami New Times “Best of Miami,” three and a half stars from the Sun Sentinel and was also featured on the Zagat Guide.
Until next bite!
FOODNOIZE 